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Purple Alert Activation Steps

The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from a mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder; an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; a brain injury; other physical, mental or emotional disabilities that are not related to substance abuse; or a combination of any of these and whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or seriously bodily harm. Purple Alerts engage the public in the search for the missing person and provide a standardized and coordinated community response.
 
Purple Alert Criteria
  • The person is 18 years of age or older and does not qualify for a Silver Alert.
  •  Has your investigation determined the missing person:
    • Has any combination of the following: an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury; or another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse -and-
    • Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder?
  • Has your law enforcement agency’s investigation concluded that the disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to the missing person and they can only be returned to safety through law enforcement intervention?
  • Is there a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution?
  • Has your agency entered the missing person into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)?
  • Does the agency recommend activation?
 
Purple Alert Activation Steps
  • The local law enforcement agency must enter the missing person into FCIC/NCIC.
  • The local law enforcement agency must notify media outlets in their area and/or surrounding jurisdictions.
  • Once the above steps have been completed, the local law enforcement agency may request a Purple Alert by calling the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) at 1-888-356-4774.
  • The FDLE will ensure that the information is broadcast via dynamic highway message signs when applicable and via email/text through sign-up by public citizens and other resources.

Note: Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of a Purple Alert. If you would like to report a missing person, please contact your local police department or sheriff’s office first, then contact MEPIC at 1-888-FL MISSING (356-4774).

Law Enforcement Resources
  • Florida Department of Elder Affairs (850) 414-2000
  • Media Alert 813-282-8612
  • A Child is Missing, Inc. 1-888-875-2246
  • Florida Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicles Medical Reporting Form


Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.